Date: May 4, 2018
Location: Brainerd, Minnesota (USA)
Address: 2110 S 10th St, 56401
Type: Dust Collector Fire
Fuel: Metal Dust
Industry: Automotive Restoration
Equipment: Dust Collector
Company: Keystone Automotive
Previous Incidents: OSHA
Loss: No Injuries
Capital Cost: Unknown
Status: Open
Confirmation: Unconfirmed
Company Description:
Keystone Automotive is part of LKQ Corporation. According to their website, LKQ Corporation is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of replacement systems, components, equipment and parts to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles.
Keystone Automotive primarily works on the restoration and remanufacturing of bumpers for a wide variety of vehicles and have been in business for five decades.
Description of Dust Collector Fire in Brainerd, Minnesota:
A dozen employees at an automotive factory in Brainerd, Minnesota were forced to evacuate Keystone Automotive on Friday, May 4, 2018, when a fire ignited in the dust collection system. According to Brainerd Dispatch, the company had recently upgraded their dust collection system and it was able to properly contain the fire within the unit so that it didn’t spread throughout the building. Fire officials stated that this was an important factor in the relatively simple containment of the fire and that without these upgrades, the fire could have spread throughout the building.
A senior employee at the facility said that there have been previous fires in the shop and, as such, employees were prepared and knew what to do in case of fire.
Approximately 20 firefighters responded to the incident and were able to quickly and safely contain and extinguish the fire, including removing the filters from the dust collection unit.
Sources:
Brainerd Dispatch
Powder Bulk Solids